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Myotonia congenita

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Does anyone out there have myotonia congenita? It's a relatively rare neuro-muscular disorder that basically "locks" a muscle contraction, making movement impossible for a couple of seconds. The affected person looks almost frozen for a moment, then the muscle contraction relaxes and allows for movement. It's not a constant problem, but it worsened when the weather is cold. As the muscle warms up, movement is easier. Don't laugh, but it's the same condition as the "Tennessee Fainting Goats", if you've ever heard of them.
I'm the oldest of 3 girls, and my youngest sister also has this disease. You'd think we wer very athletic, as the isometric contraction actually builds muscle. My neurologist says in his 30 years of practice, he's only seen this disease in 4 people, including me and my sister.
I have to be extremely careful of the medications that I take, as some will worsen the contractions, even of the heart.
Myotonia congentia is an orphan disease, so not much is done in progressive studies. Quinine used to be the only drug administered, but it's off the market now, I believe. It's also known as Thompson's disease, or another form called Baker's disease.
I'm just curious to see if anyone else out there has this disease, and would like to compare notes.
Thanks,
Taurus251

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Muscular dystrophy

4 replies

I have MC, pretty badly as it happens. However, I've discovered this website, which is a support group for MC sufferers specifically, not lumped in with Muscular Dystrophy as per usual:

http://www.myotoniacongenita.org/

Try it, they have a forum for discussion too!

If you wish to discuss anything to do with MC just let me know!

Hi, you are not alone. My husband, his two brothers, his mom and my step son also have MC. I was actually trying to find more information about this disease. I recently had a child and I was trying to find out what her chances of having this are. I was looking to see at what age she could be tested, what to look for etc. I am just trying to learn so I can understand it more. I would love to hear from anyone we what ever information you have or the best places to find information related to this..

I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Paroxymal dystonic Choreathetosis. I also have contractions when I voluntarly use my muslces that take a while for them to release. This is worse after I have been vomiting. Have you found something that helps?

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